Representatives for the heirs of Samuel Fischer contacted Sotheby's arguing that *Châtaigniers en Fleurs* was relinquished under duress due to pressures on the family business. The artwork, also known as *Blossoming Chestnut Trees*, is being offered as part of the Blaquier-Arrieta Collection after moving through Paris in 1936 and four subsequent owners. Sotheby's maintains its provenance research since 1890 has not proven the duress claims, though it continues discussions to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.
Key points
Sotheby's is actively negotiating with the Fischer heirs to resolve the ownership dispute…: Sotheby's is actively negotiating with the Fischer heirs to resolve the ownership dispute prior to the sale.
Heirs argue the pre-war sale was forced by financial losses tied to the rise of the Nazis.: Heirs argue the pre-war sale was forced by financial losses tied to the rise of the Nazis.
The auction house claims its extensive provenance research has not established that the p…: The auction house claims its extensive provenance research has not established that the piece was sold under duress.
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- Published
Auction house Sotheby's says it is working to resolve a dispute over the intended sale of a painting by Vincent van Gogh.
Châtaigniers en Fleurs, which carries an estimate of $180m (£136m), is due to go under the hammer in New York on Wednesday.
But representatives acting for heirs of the Fischer family - earlier German owners of the work - say it may have been sold under duress during the rise of the Nazis.
Sotheby's say its own "extensive research" has not established this, but say they will work with the family to try and reach a solution.
"Sotheby's takes provenance and restitution matters extremely seriously and has undertaken extensive research into the ownership history of Châtaigniers en fleurs," Sotheby's told the BBC in a statement.
"We are aware of the concerns recently raised by representatives of the Fischer heirs and have been in dialogue with them regarding the painting's history.
"While our research to date has not established that the painting was sold under duress, we recognize the importance of engaging thoughtfully and constructively with the…
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